Survival of a 20-Day old neonate operated for tracheoesophageal fistula; A miracle

ABSTRACT: Esophageal atresia (EA) with or without Tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) represents significant number of neonatal surgical emergencies and its survival testifies the level of advancement in neonatal care, as it is considered as epitome of neonatal surgery even today. Here we report a female neonate presented on 16th day of life with classical history of EA with TEF. It was a type-C anomaly with extensive bilateral pneumonitis on 20th day of life. Higher antibiotics, TPN and prolonged postoperative oxygenation were continued till 20th postoperative day and the baby was discharged from the hospital once she started sucking adequately and there was improvement in lung pathology. A 2-D echo was done at this stage which revealed an ASD with left-to-right shunt. She is alive and healthy at 6 months of age at the time of reporting. Delayed reference from the primary physician with history of continued oral feeding are not uncommon features of neonates with EA & TEF in developing countries like India. This calls for spreading awareness amongst the rural physicians.